PI Monday August 4, 2008

And the Air is Just Right For Drinking

By Grizzly of Ironstar
Battlefield Reporter, Pennsic Independent

Pennsic is war and war is well...Pennsic isn't all about fighting, though. I know that we all know this. There's A&S, there's shopping and spending time with good friends and a fine drink.
I've often had friends stop me to tell me, "You have to try this"-some new beer or wine that they just discovered, one of a kind and you can't get it here. It's their special treasure and they want to share it with you! I know you've had this happen to you at one time or another.
Some people in the SCA take that a step farther and actually make their own wines, beer and cordials. Every year at Pennsic, the Interkingdom Brewers' Guild hosts the annual Brewers' Guild Competition. The name is misleading. Brewers are not judged against each other; the beverages are judged on their quality.
The purpose of the competition is not to pick out everything that is wrong with the beverage, but to point out what the brewer did right and how to improve their brewing skills. It's also a good way to find out who makes good beer and where they camp.
There are three different categories of brewing: cordials, wines and meads, and beer. Using several different criteria, the judges score the beverage on a scale of 1-10. First they look at the brewer's documentation, most importantly recipe and ingredients. Then they look at the presentation, the bottle, the label and the clarity. Upon opening the bottle they sample the aroma, look at how the beverage moves in the glass, and finally check the taste.
What really makes brewing stand out from other A&S competitions is the fact that as the judges are doing all this, the brewer is sitting at the table with them. In this manner they can see the process and witness first hand the judges' reactions and comments. The judges are very helpful with identifying what didn't go right with a beverage, explaining why the brew turned out as it did, and offering tips on how to improve it next time.
If you'd like to join the brewer's guild, it's as simple as making the brew of your choice and bringing it to the competition. For information on how to get started, you can go to www.greydragon.org/ikbg. Or contact master brewer Rhys Terafan Greydragon at terafan@greydragon.org.
Just remember, the reasons for these events are to help each other to become better brewers, to spend time with good friends, and to drink finer and finer brews.

PEACE Has Broken Out!

By DonalBane of Blakmers
Battlefield Reporter,
Pennsic Independent

The populace of the Known World assembled in front of the Fort Sunday to officially open the Pennsic War, but a twist at the end of the Opening Ceremony has put a whole new spin on Pennsic XXXVII.
The Kingdom of AEthelmearc and the Great Dark Horde were first on the scene on a beautiful morning. The host kingdom took their accustomed place on the dais about 20 minutes before the belligerent nations arrived.
When the East and the Midrealm arrived, HRM Khalek told his subjects to welcome their guests in song. "AEthelmearc, AEthelmearc" rang out as the Tiger and Dragon marched to the dais, followed by representatives from every kingdom in the Known World.
When the populace had assembled, HRM Khalek addressed the crowd.
"We greet you and thank you for coming to our lands," HRM Khalek. "The skies are pleased and they have given us a glorious day."
HRM Khalek then said he had heard rumor that "an aggressive army" had come to his land. HRM Konrad of the East replied he had heard the same rumor and brought the Eastern forces with him for that reason.
"I seek to come here and aid you," HRM Konrad said.
HRM Khalek accepted the offer, but was quick to note the East had brought its army to AEthelmearc "without permission."
HRM Lutr of the Midrealm then made the same offer of protection.
"There is an aggressive army here," HRM Lutr said. "I believe AEthelmearc has earned the right to remain an independent nation and will help fight to maintain that."
HRM Khalek accepted Lutr's offer, noting the Midrealm did have permission to bring its army.
"I think there is to be a contest here," HRM Khalek said.
"I look forward to a contest between warriors on this field," HRM Konrad said.
The three kings then called for the War Arrow and broke it together, setting off cheers from the crowd and cannons in the background.
The Dragon and Brigantia Heralds then took turns calling off the roll of Kingdoms.
HRM Khalek confirmed the host nation would fight with the Midrealm. The kingdoms of the West, Caid, Ansteorra, Trimaris, Lochac and Ealdormere also declared for the Midrealm. Calontir declared themselves to follow their allies in Ansteorra and Outlands declared with Calontir, so both kingdoms will fight with the Dragon.
HRM Sinclair of Atlantia boldly declared for the East saying, "Much like Beowulf, I have brought the army of Atlantia to slay a dragon!"
Atenveldt, An Tir, Artemisia, Drachenwald and Gleann Abhann all declared for the East, as did Northshield, HRM Lars noted he would have never made it through many a Pennsic without HRM Konrad, who was his squire brother. King Richard from the Holy Kingdom of Acre also declared for the East.
The Great Dark Horde then came forth, with Khan Omar at the head. Omar pleaded with Their Majesties to resolve their differences via diplomacy or single combat. When those pleas failed, Omar summoned the host of Horde to the dais. He then offered an arrow to both Lutr and Konrad, declaring his field forces and siege engines would fight for the Midrealm, while his target arrow archers would shoot for the East.
With all declared, the Darkyard Legion brought forth the Pennsic war horn, which was picked up by HRM Konrad.
"This horn is a beautiful work of art," Konrad said. "I would not dishonor it by not blowing it properly."
HRM Lutr then suggested Master Rocco Barbarossa of Darkyard as a proper man to blow the horn. Rocco ascended to the dais and gave a long, high blast.
HRM Khalek then addressed the populace.
"The words have been spoken; the horn has been blown; here we have war!" Khalek said, before telling the populace to prepare itself.
However, HRM Konrad then said he had one more thing to say. He noted since AEthelmearc would not accept his help, he would feel aggrieved to fight against them.
Therefore, Konrad offered to concede all 37 War Points to the Midrealm, declaring, "I do not wish to shed the blood of people I hold in such high esteem."
After a moment HRM Lutr accepted Konrad's offer.
"I guess we have--no war!" Lutr said, to the laughter of the crowd. "We will be able to enjoy all that is offered here on this field."
TRMs Konrad and Khalek then embraced before the sovereigns of the Known World left the dais.

Sunday Battlefield Report

By DonalBane of Blakmers
Battlefield Reporter, Pennsic Independent

Combat of the Thirty
After the completion of Opening Ceremonies, about 50 gentles assembled on the green list field for the fourth annual Combat of the Thirty. The combat is meant recreate the original Combat of the Thirty, fought between 30 English knights and 30 French Knights during the Hundred Years' War.
Each combatant had to offer a ransom to be eligible to come back for next year's fight. The combat was held to period conditions, meaning three solid blows to the head stunned a combatant, allowing him to be captured. Thrusts to an open-face helm or a vulnerable or unarmored area registered as kills.
Sir Nigel MacFarland of Ealdormere captained the French, while Sir Johannes von Bruckenheim of Atenveldt captained the English.
Amid cries of "St. George!" the English rolled to victory in two straight fights, reversing the historical outcome of the battle for the first time.
After the fight, the combatants declared themselves so pleased with the combat that Sir Nigel and Sir Johannes will serve as captains for the next two years.

Ealdormere 10-Man Unbelted
Champions Tournament
Ealdormere hosted one the most rollicking tournaments of the first weekend of war, its annual 10-Man Unbelted Champions Tournament, on the main battlefield Sunday.
Seven kingdoms brought forward teams for the round-robin rumble. The scores after the round robin were: AEthelmearc 5-1, Atlantia 5-1, Midrealm 4-2, Northshield 3-3, Calontir 3-3, Ealdormere 1-5 and Atenvedlt 0-6.
With AEthelmearc and Atlantia tied for the lead after the round robin, the two kingdoms' teams met one last time to settle the title. In a quick fight, AEthelmearc's forces were able to maintain their cohesion and roll over Atlantia for the win.

Known World Novice Tournament
(Editor's note: This tournament was completed after deadline on Saturday.)
The Chivalry of the Known World hosted the Known World Novice Tournament Saturday. The event attracted 53 fighters with less than two years of experience in SCA adult and/or youth fighting.
The tournament format was a shark pool.
The two finalists were Joseph of Serpentius from the East and Lucas from Atlantia. Lucas won the final in a best-two-of-three format.

Unclassifieds

Events Open to All
Christian prayer group non-denominational. All are welcome 8PM Battlefield. Look for the Banner.
The War Horn is on display in the merchant area, market street behind the barn, Mon-Fri, 1pm-5pm weather permitting. Guarded by House Darkyard. Come take a look at SCA History!

For Sale
16" English saddle a little worn Olympic brand $75 find me @ Materialis 124
16 Ft. Yurt. 6Ft. Wall. Timber Roof Ring. Used 3 times. New canvas this war. 2 doors. See at Under the Rose on E01. EC Asking $1400.
2 new 16 ft rounds-complete setup. $1200 obo p-u SAT 9th. B08 Black Pearl-Rose or Tristan. Also 10x16 wedge black-yellow used 2 years bo
Agate Burnishers - bone ivory & horn handles - hand carved - also dog tooth and carnelian. Guild of Limners #24.
Arastorm's excellent booklets- cookies, magick and more than you ever needed to know about Anglo-Saxons. #19 Bow St.
ATTENTION WOAD WARRIORS! Feeling a little blue? I have the real thing! Genuine woad imported from Scotland. $4 Limited supply, buy early. Guild of Limners #24.
BAD GARB I and BAD GARB II - Now AVAILABLE From Claus the Toymaker- How do you know you are not in them unless you read them?
Evil Abra has budget amber! Amber rings from $9.95, amber bracelets from $9.95, amber necklaces from $14.95, amber pendants from $9.95, amber earrings from $7.00! Check out our 1/2 price amber boards! Buy $100 worth & get an extra 10% off if you mention this ad! Visit The Gypsy Caravan, #107 Street of Gold, open 'til 11:00 pm nightly!
Bamboo for your construction needs Yumi #83
Bellydancer's veils genuine silk 8 1/2 ftx3 1/2 ft $50 colorful! 19 Bow St.
Blank Books - hand bound in leather, handmade paper, thick & chunky. Fair trade products. $10 - $32 limited supply - Guild of Limners. #24.
WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE! Claus the Toymaker will autograph his new book, ASTONISHING TALE OF THE GUMP OF OZ, Monday, Aug. 4 from 11am to 4pm at Poison Pen Press Booth 637
'Bosch' hurdy-gurdy for sale. This is the last one made by the lutier Charles Supplee before his retirement, and is patterned after the one in the Painting Garden of Earthly Delights (15c). Includes heavy wood case, antler tuning key, string cotton, and waist strap. $1900. contact Sir Ogami, Clan Yama Kaminari, E03
Canvas hammock with frame $40 - see Katherin at House of Blacksilver, E11.
Benefit the Chirurgeons-- buy an original Pennsic XXXVII T-shirt. $10. Available from Claus of Burzee, #24 Merchants Row.
Cat got better, vet bills didn't. Car died Monday so...big sale at Fabric Dragon at space #106!
Etched amber awards are at Time Traveling Traders Space #77 Market St.
Evil Abra has a new garb annex! Do you like flax, winter sun and cut loose? Check out our back room garb. Someone has to dress the peasants! Garb, pants, skirts, dresses & shirts in silk, linen and cotton. Very comfy and most is $5 to $20! Mention this ad for an extra 10% off! Visit The Gypsy Caravan, #107 Street of Gold! Open 'til 11:00 pm nightly!
Bad Garb Old Maid card game- Yes we have 'em!- from Claus the Toymaker (Who else?)
Evil Abra says, "Check your silver prices!" We bought last year when silver was $7 an ounce, folk who restocked before Pennsic paid much more- guess whose prices are going to rock!!! Mention this ad for an extra 10% off any purchase of $100 or more! (Bring friends & shop together for the discount!) Visit The Gypsy Caravan, #107 Street of Gold, open 'til 11:00 pm nightly.
Fabric Dragon is not in the merchants guide but is at Pennsic in space #106 Street of Gold. Big Sale!
Finest Amber in the known world is at Time Traveling Traders Space #77 Market Street.
Glass muller & burnishers from England, also Mitchell nibs, vellum, parchment, and hand bound leather books- The Guild of Limners, #24
Vellum - - opaline vellum (sheepskin) direct from England. Finest Quality sale price $25 per sheet. Lovely Dutch sheepskin parchment whole skins $125 can be cut smaller. The Guild of Limners #24, across from the barn.
GOING OUT 4 BUSINESS SALE. Did you see my ad in the Pennsic Handbook?
"Digitescant" Probable pronunciation "dih-jih-tehs-cant." "to eat with one's fingers..." Especially when dining on pulled pork.
Camp furniture, iron work, horse tails $14, beautiful speckled cow hides. Come browse and BS (Be Satisfied). The Crossing #3
Evil Abra says, "You can do research at home - read something fun at Pennsic!" See our vast selection of novels, magickal books & fun subjects. All the books are buy 2 get 1 free all war! Most are 1/2 off cover price as well! visit The Gypsy Caravan, #107 Street of Gold, open 'til 11:00 pm nightly.
Hafla tent 4 sale best offer. Orluk Oasis
Handspun yarn from a 12th c-type flock. Also fiber dyed & undyed. Ongoing spining demo, MTFC Space 26
Harps & Musical instruments all on sale. Harps 20% off. Silvershell Music 43 Broadway.
High quality korean horse bows $399 yumi #83
Evil Abra's empire has expanded! New items include sale book selection, the garb annex & 1/2 price clearance corner! Visit The Gypsy Caravan, #107, Street of Gold. Open 'til 11 pm nightly!
SCA Road Signs- "Fighter Practice Area", "Danger Viking Territory" and many others, some new and very silly. Claus the Toymaker, #24
Is this YOU? Free pics from past wars. Space 26
Mischief, murder & mayhem- is your kingdom involved? See the on-going saga in the diorama. Space 26.
NOT for spinners only- "Spinster's Rules!" Visit Misty Tower, Space 26 to read the list and order a T!
Oxblood leather shovel greaves. New,never worn House Black Hammer N30 804-931-5799 $100
Panther pavillion, 10x10, regent, $500, BEN@SINPIT,E05
Ink-Oakgall, walnut hull, also gallo-tannic ink, absolutely perfectly opaque. $4 per bottle Guild of Limners #24.
Pavilion 4 sale 18X18 6Ft. walls 2 Yrs old Paid 2400 asking 1800 natural* extra ropes ask at Tgertoggs#32 Street of Dreams behind the barn *(color)"Pennsic for Dummies" by Claus the Toymaker - scurrilous, tongue-in-cheek fun, everything you need to know to complete your Pennsic experience.
"Pennsic in a Box" new royalty expansion set this year, limited supply. From Claus the Toymaker #24.
Period pavilions available on site for rent/sale. Rent rebates toward later purchase. Space 26.
THE GUILD OF LIMNERS habitantes in platea mercatores vendunt encusto, penna, libri, pigmenti, colorum diversi, rubia, quadone, omnimodes tinctori et instrumenta clericis necessaria.
Uniquely You dressmaker forms - the only one that corsets properly available on site space 26.
Weld, Woad, Madder, Cochineal, Brazilwood, Longwood - dyes to die for. Guild of Limners #24.
Wolfram's wondrous wares now has the book "Dragons, Demons, Blood, and Gold" poetry by well known proprietor of Jolly Sven's Bargain Pillage, Morgan Bloodaxe. Come turn the pages in space 134.
Wolfram's wondrous wares. We're at the War come see us. We're in space 134 we've got cloak clasps, pouches, and feast gear galore we're your one stop wonderful store.
X-chairs $175 Silvershell Music 43 Broadway.
You! Sew on our machines. We have thread. Space 26.
Yurt for sale. E01 Middle of Dragon Trace. Car died again. Ask for Pente (Wookie) camp Infinity 8-)
General
12 Step Meeting daily 4:00 pm E07 off Great Eastern Highway Denys the Decadent's Camp AA NA OA SA all welcome.
A new Viking Home Companion CD is now available at the Pillaged Village Midgard Mayhem by T8 Rvaldr Torgarson Live perfomances will be at 7PM on Sunday Wednesday and Friday in front of the village.
ATTENTION BARONY OF STORVIK!! Baronial Court will be at 4:00 Tuesday in the Clan Cambion Encampment in E-15. It is the intention ofTheir Majesties to be in attendance. BYOC [Bring your own chair] is suggested. Very light refreshments.
BARON GUGLIEIMO BARDICCI gratefully extends his artisan jubal to provide his beautious WOAD body art to Pennsic, located at the Guild of Limners (Booth 24). BONA NOTTE!
Bored Scadian at Garments by the goat. #097 red hair and chutzpah. Drop by.
BPAL meet & sniff! Come and share the magic. Tues @4:00. Camp Dancing Fox on E01 Dragons Trace
Brendoken's Baroness luncheon starts at 12:30 in N09, Fletcher RD near the highway. Look for black and green field with a gold star.
By Odin, Snaebjorn this is some place! I shall tell my friends mead is found here in abundance! I have sampled all night. This explains why I still have not arrived. The mead has led me astray but I vow I will find the silver apple!
"Edofication" Probable pronunciation "ehd-oh- fih-kay-shun." "to arrange foods in ways that imitate architectural forms.É" Fun to do with mashed potatoes as a child. High-class restaurants charge a lot for this! A.k.a. "nouvelle cuisine."
Citizens of Brendoken and friends. Come to our Revel at N09, Fletcher Rd near the Highway, at 6P.M. on ... There will be Court.
Costumes by Loren has comfortable cool cotton! Tunics, kaftans and cloaks in celtic knotwork designs. Different sales every day! 166 Fleet Street
Do something with your kid besides sweat! Make colorful medallion cords! Kits at Claus the Toymakers.
Don't miss the Known World Canine meeting Tuesday Aug 5th from noon to 2pm in ®thelmearc Royal. All are welcome!
DRAGON BROCADES, 20% off at Dragon's Magic #25
EXCELLENT QUALITY 100% wools & wool coating at Dragon's Magic #25
FINE ENGLISH NEEDLES, Sold singly. Dragon's Magic #25
Good Gentles......
How much have you spent on your armor?
How much have you spent on your garb?
How much have you spent on your children?
This has been a public service announcemnt from Claus of Burzee, Toymaker.
Free garb and stuff! Please visit E30, the tent with the orange curtains. Help yourself to anything on the mats in the front yard each day till Thurs.
Go see Auntie Arwen at #185 and ask if she is drinking WATER. From Kirsten at Fabric Dragon in #106.
Have you seen the Baroness' Silver Ass?
HOT GLASS - X05 - Tonight - Ask for Erland (Next to Solar Showers)
In training for the squid Olympiad-Cooper's Lake's own Squirty! First up! 100 meter ink shooting and there's the unsuspecting target, over by the Flushies...
Is your child bored? Make a medallion cord! Colors galore! At Claus the Toymaker's Store!
Laurel vigil for Joanna of Northumberland Tues 7PM Ealdormere Royal W17
Open fire medieval cooking Monday SPCA Camp W10 Fires start at noon with consultation at 6PM
SAILMAKERS NEEDLES. 2", 3 1/2", 4 1/2"! Dragon's Magic #25
Silk veiling 3.5mm, 5mm silk/cotton DRAGON'S MAGIC #25
Slavic interest group will meet Wed at 10 am in A&S 3.
STEEL HOOP BONING - 1/2" xl2y $13.95 Dragon's Magic #25
THREAD COUNTERS, 8x-10x metal & glass booth #25
TO THE 2 WOMEN who came to my shop on Thursday and bought 12 yds of purple silk - I found the tag. Please come back for the money I owe you! Dragon's Magic
Wurm- roses r red violets r blue hope to have many more Pennsics w you- TRIS
Yes, I'm Still Here! And my brick-and-mortar fabric store is still in Tunkhannock, PA. The housing market decided to get weird right after War last year so I couldn't make the move I wanted to make. I've consoled myself by buying more luscious wool, linen, and silk...which, of course, I brought for your shopping pleasure, along with corset stays, needles, pins, cheese cloth, etc. (Space 25)
Lost & Found
Lost 2 rings in woman's shower near Cooper Store on Sat AM . Huge sentimental value-Eye ring is a good luck charm and may bring bad luck to finder. Please call cell 585-507-3938 to claim reward and return rings. I'm camped in disability camping, big white wall tent near orange fence on right side, ask for Sue
Parties
Feast of St. Elvis- Mon night Camp Famdamily (The usual spot in B08) 8PM-ish. Come celebrate his ascension! Make the pilgrimage!
To all Ostgardrians past & present and future. Come to the annual Ostgards Pancake Breakfast on Mon from 8 to 11 AM. Donations welcome but not necessary E4

Personals
A definite sign of the apocalypse-Kibitz has vanished! Griz is trying his best but is just not as follicly endowed and won't wear those goofy pants. We miss you and hope all goes better. The PI Staff.
** Archery Champions ** To the archery champions' team for the Middle Kingdom and their Allies does Demetrious the Undecided send greetings and congratulations. I wish you all good shooting and good fun. Wishing I could be there with you, enjoy.
Farasha & Suad #60 rave "now to the sky" by Tribe O
Ladies of Pennsic, Lord Valdis of Gotland had a birthday on July 26th. I ask you to wish him well, gift him with a kiss or punish him with a spanking, as you deem appropriate.
Single Pagan male looking for Pagan matchmaker to find single Pagan female see Kirk N9 Sunderroak.
Tiger seek champion to ransom him from Midrealm merchant. Space 122 hurry!